New figures estimate that 160 million children were engaged in child labor in 2020. This is 8.4 million more children than since the last estimate issued in 2016, and the first time in two decades that the numbers have increased.
The United Nations says child labour is on the rise for the first time in 20 years, with millions more young people at risk of becoming child labourers due to the economic shocks and school closures caused by COVID-19.
Child labour figure rises to 160m
Corona puts many more at risk
Diplomatic Correspondent
11 June, 2021 12:00 AM
For the first time in two decades, the number of children being put to work has risen – to 160 million worldwide, representing an increase of 8.4 million over four years – while millions of other are at risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new UN report launched on Thursday.
The report, Child Labour: Global estimates 2020, trends and the road forward, published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), urges governments and international development banks, said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, “to prioritize investments in programmes that can get children out of the workforce and back into school”.
FAO - News Article: Child labour in agriculture is on the rise again, with further deterioration foreseen due to COVID-19 fao.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from fao.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Ministry of Labour launches week of activities to commemorate World Day Against Child Labour (June 12)
In commemoration of World Day Against Child Labour (June 12), this year, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) will launch a week of engaging virtual activities from Thursday June 10 to Thursday June 17.
Minister of Labour the Hon. Stephen Mc Clashie endorses this Campaign which he believes is critical at this time given that children have become more vulnerable over the last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and may be required to support the income needs of the family.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the legislation which the Labour Inspectorate Unit of the Ministry enforces to protect children from child labour is the Children s Act, Chap 46:01, Act 12 of 2012.